You’ve probably heard of the Carpenter Ant, the largest ant in Greater Seattle. While the ant is similar to a termite, it is different. This insect is classified as a Wood Destroying Insect. The main threat to homeowners comes from their damage to wood. Here are some ways to prevent infestation. Observe the ant’s activity. You may notice small piles of frass. The frass is actually the wood that they excrete. This discarded material contains dead insects.
First, search for the ant’s nest. A Carpenter ant colony is usually based in a tree or buried log near a home. The colony that lives in your home is actually a satellite colony that feeds the parent colony. Often, the colony has been infiltrating framing in your home. The ants eat other insects and plant juices. In addition to wood, they also feed on the honeydew secreted by aphids. If you find ants in your home, call a pest control company to treat them. Eastside Ants exterminators
Once you’ve identified the source of the colony, you can begin the process of removing the nest. Carpenter ants live in a variety of environments, including dead wood near the foundation. Moisture ants also live in wood that’s been soaked by water. This can result from plumbing leaks, roof leaks, or faulty siding. Fortunately, effective treatments for this species include targeted sprays and correction of any source of moisture.
Carpenter ants are a serious threat to a home’s structure. These ants can swarm and occupy multiple nest sites in your home, making them a danger from all sides. Because they can burrow through walls, they can cause costly structural damage. To prevent the infestation from spreading, hire a professional ant control company. It’s safer, cheaper, and faster than trying to treat it yourself.
A perimeter treatment is another option for preventing carpenter ant infestation. This treatment treats the area immediately adjacent to the structure. A recurring monthly treatment is also an effective way to protect the home from carpenter ant infestations. This method is highly effective but requires regular follow-up to ensure its structural integrity. For example, you may want to hire a pest control company to treat the yard. A perimeter treatment is necessary to avoid future infestations.
A dust formulation of an insecticide is a common method for controlling ant colonies. These products are applied through electrical and plumbing outlets. The dust formulations penetrate wall voids and can be applied to a structure’s perimeter. Because ants follow these routes through structures, they will spread the insecticide throughout the colony. In addition to dust formulations, you can also use a liquid perimeter spray on crawl spaces and walls.
The primary species of carpenter ants in the U.S. are C. modoc Wheeler and C. vicinus Mayr. The species causes most damage in the western United States. In eastern Washington and Oregon, C. pennsylvanicus Wheeler causes structural damage to homes and firewood. In Washington state, the rainy season can also lead to carpenter ant infestations.
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